When updates are made to core Windows files (i.e. those resident in memory) you need to do a reboot to reload them. It's the same with every other OS out there pretty much, just more noticeable with Windows due to the size of the code and scope of complexity.

When updates are made to core Windows files (i.e. those resident in memory) you need to do a reboot to reload them. It's the same with every other OS out there pretty much, just more noticeable with Windows due to the size of the code and scope of complexity.

I use Windows for work; Mac for home. For updates, Mac is definitely less anger-inducing. The Windows work computer is part of a distributed network, and the *&$* thing only updates at the end of the day when I really, really need to get out the door to pick up my kid, save orphans from burning fires, etc. And, of course, Windows doesn't tell you in ADVANCE that its going to load 2,000,000 updates until you actually start the shut down process. I have killed the thing half-way through on many occasions because it takes so damn long.

I use Windows for work; Mac for home. For updates, Mac is definitely less anger-inducing. The Windows work computer is part of a distributed network, and the *&$* thing only updates at the end of the day when I really, really need to get out the door to pick up my kid, save orphans from burning fires, etc. And, of course, Windows doesn't tell you in ADVANCE that its going to load 2,000,000 updates until you actually start the shut down process. I have killed the thing half-way through on many occasions because it takes so damn long.

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Then set it so it doesn't automatically download and apply updates. It's pretty easy to do.

Most people don't know the control panel exists or how to dig around in it.

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For those who aren't aware...this should work for most:

1) Click the "Start" button (except for Windows 8)
2) In the search bar, enter "windows update" and hit Enter.
3) When the Control Panel Items -> Windows Update appears, click on "Change settings" at the left

UNLESS YOU HAVE A CORPORATE-MANAGED COMPUTER YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO CHANGE THE FOLLOWING SETTING

Under "Important Updates" change the settings as desired and Click OK.